Sunlight just poured into the school courtyard, kind of lazy and golden, like it owned the place. It warmed up all the cracks in the concrete, making the ground look almost welcoming—if you ignored the fact it was still, well, school. The shadows of the students, all scattered around, stretched out long and thin, like they were in no rush to get anywhere. Li Wei was on his way to the basketball court, hands shoved in his pockets, and all the while, that jade pendant under his shirt was beating out a steady rhythm. Kind of like a private metronome, you know? It kept him grounded, which he really needed these days, because, honestly, his life had turned upside down.
I mean, think about it: just a few weeks ago, he'd never thrown a punch in anger, and now he'd survived an alley fight, had a starlit moment with Xinya that felt ripped out of a drama, and—yep—his body was changing so fast, it was almost scary. Growth spurts and strength he couldn't explain, like he was living in someone else's skin and had to get used to it. All that? Still bouncing around in his brain while he walked.
Then out of nowhere, he hears it: "Li Wei!" Someone calls his name, and it's got this melodic sound to it, like a song. He turns, and there's Mei Lan, just chilling by the fountain like she's posing for a photo shoot. Sunlight's catching in her hair, making it look like silk threads, and she's got this twinkle in her eyes—playful, but with a hint that she knows exactly what she's doing. That little smile of hers? Yeah, it's trouble.
"You've been busy, haven't you? Heard about your little… adventures," she teases, her tone all light, but you can tell she knows stuff.
For a second, Li Wei just freezes. Mei Lan's basically a legend at school—not just for being pretty, but for being bold and kind of brilliant. People think she's a flirt, and sure, she is, but she's also got this sharp mind that keeps everyone guessing. He tries to play it cool, even if he's low-key panicking. "Uh… I don't know what you mean." He says it like he's all chill, but honestly, it's a pretty weak attempt.
Mei Lan just laughs, and it's this clear, musical sound that turns a few heads. "Come on, don't play dumb. Standing up to bullies, getting into scrapes… That's impressive, you know. Really impressive." She steps closer, almost into his space, and gives him a look that's half challenge, half compliment. "I like a guy who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty."
Inside, Li Wei's mind is zipping around. One part of him is thinking, hey, this is kinda nice—being noticed by Mei Lan. The other part? Nervous, because Xinya's always somewhere in his thoughts, and Mei Lan's energy is like a dare. The pendant thumps a little harder, almost like it's reminding him: don't mess this up. Power's cool, but you gotta have some self-control.
He tries to keep his voice steady. "Thanks," he says, but he keeps it cautious, trying not to let anything show. "But I'm, you know… focused on other things right now." He sounds like he's dodging, and he kind of is.
Mei Lan's smile just grows, like she expected that answer and she's totally amused. "Focused, huh? On homework, training… or someone special?" Her words are light, but she's watching him closely, sharp as ever.
Li Wei feels his face go a little red. He tries to look away, but it's like Mei Lan has her own gravity, pulling him in. "I'm focused on getting stronger. That's all," he insists, but it sounds weak even to his own ears.
She laughs again, this time softer—almost like she's sharing a secret with him. "Strength is attractive, you know. But hey, don't forget to actually live a little. Even if that means causing a little mischief now and then."
It's not mean-spirited, her teasing—it's more like she's poking at his walls, seeing if she can find a crack. Li Wei feels this weird tension, honestly—a mix of curiosity and caution, like he's walking on a tightrope. He knows this is different from fighting or the quiet moments with Xinya. Mei Lan is bold, she demands attention, and she kind of forces him to check his own self-control.
And it doesn't end there. Over the next few days, Mei Lan seems to pop up everywhere. Lunchtime? She's there, tossing him a grin. Basketball court? She leans on the fence, making some joke about his training. Even outside the library—yeah, she finds him. "Oh, training again? Or are you just showing off for someone?" she teases, eyes glimmering like she's in on some private joke.
Li Wei, to his credit, gets used to her. Sort of. He never lets himself get pulled in too deep, though. Cautious smiles, a joke here and there, sometimes just a polite nod. The pendant keeps reminding him—don't lose yourself. There are limits, and not just about strength. Mei Lan is a test—just not the kind you can train for in the gym.
Then comes this one afternoon—Li Wei's wiped out from a brutal basketball practice, sweat dripping, shirt sticking to his back. Mei Lan just appears, leaning against the fence, eyes sparkling. "Wow, Wei… you're really pushing yourself. I like that. You're… unstoppable." She lingers on the word, giving it extra weight.
Li Wei's about spent, but he manages a crooked smile. "I have to be… strong. Only way to protect what matters," he says, a little breathless.
Mei Lan's face softens, but the mischief doesn't go away. "Always the noble hero, huh? I like it… but remember, even heroes need someone to admire them. Or… tempt them." She wiggles her eyebrows, and it's both funny and, well, kind of tempting.
The pendant seems to heat up, as if it's picking up on all the emotions swirling inside him. Caution, temptation, discipline—they're all there, fighting for his attention. He realizes that Mei Lan isn't just flirting for the fun of it. She's challenging him, making him look at who he is and what he wants. It's a different kind of battle, and honestly, it makes him feel more alive than anything else lately.
That evening, walking home with dusk settling in, Li Wei thinks about all of it—Mei Lan's boldness, her playful energy, the way she shakes up his careful world. She's this reminder that life isn't just about being strong or doing the right thing. Sometimes it's about letting yourself be challenged, letting someone get close enough to test your limits. And yeah, it scares him a little, but he's also kind of grateful for it. Because really, what's the point of all that strength if you're too afraid to actually feel something?
So, as the city lights start to flicker on, Li Wei clutches the warm jade beneath his shirt and knows—there's more to being strong than just muscles or winning fights. It's about facing the stuff that makes you uncomfortable, the people who make you question yourself, and maybe, just maybe, letting a little mischief into your life.